Soft Drinks in Japan

TABLE OF CONTENTS

List Of Contents And Tables

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

• Rising prices put pressure on volume sales in 2025

KEY DATA FINDINGS

INDUSTRY PERFORMANCE

• Price rises lead to a decline in off-trade volume sales of soft drinks in 2025
• Functional soft drinks gain prominence
• Innovation has become faster, riskier, and more culturally embedded

WHAT'S NEXT?

• Shrinking population likely to limit opportunities for volume growth
• Healthy and natural products likely to attract more interest moving forward
• Vending evolving as it looks to meet the needs of modern consumers

COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

• Coca-Cola and Suntory continue to invest in product development and innovation
• Nippon Del Monte finds success with new line of tomato juice

CHANNELS

• Label-less products gain traction as online sales rise
• On-trade volume sales continue to recover buoyed by interest in RTD tea

MARKET DATA

• Table 1 Off-trade vs On-trade Sales of Soft Drinks (RTD) by Channel: Volume 2020-2025
• Table 2 Off-trade vs On-trade Sales of Soft Drinks (RTD) by Channel: % Volume Growth 2020-2025
• Table 3 Off-trade vs On-trade Sales of Soft Drinks by Channel: Value 2020-2025
• Table 4 Off-trade vs On-trade Sales of Soft Drinks by Channel: % Value Growth 2020-2025
• Table 5 Off-trade vs On-trade Sales of Soft Drinks (as sold) by Category: Volume 2025
• Table 6 Off-trade vs On-trade Sales of Soft Drinks (as sold) by Category: % Volume 2025
• Table 7 Off-trade vs On-trade Sales of Soft Drinks by Category: Value 2025
• Table 8 Off-trade vs On-trade Sales of Soft Drinks by Category: % Value 2025
• Table 9 Off-trade Sales of Soft Drinks (RTD) by Category: Volume 2020-2025
• Table 10 Off-trade Sales of Soft Drinks (RTD) by Category: % Volume Growth 2020-2025
• Table 11 Off-trade Sales of Soft Drinks by Category: Value 2020-2025
• Table 12 Off-trade Sales of Soft Drinks by Category: % Value Growth 2020-2025
• Table 13 Sales of Soft Drinks by Total Fountain On-trade: Volume 2020-2025
• Table 14 Sales of Soft Drinks by Total Fountain On-trade: % Volume Growth 2020-2025
• Table 15 NBO Company Shares of Total Soft Drinks (RTD): % Volume 2021-2025
• Table 16 LBN Brand Shares of Total Soft Drinks (RTD): % Volume 2022-2025
• Table 17 NBO Company Shares of On-trade Soft Drinks (RTD): % Volume 2021-2025
• Table 18 LBN Brand Shares of On-trade Soft Drinks (RTD): % Volume 2022-2025
• Table 19 NBO Company Shares of Off-trade Soft Drinks (RTD): % Volume 2021-2025
• Table 20 LBN Brand Shares of Off-trade Soft Drinks (RTD): % Volume 2022-2025
• Table 21 NBO Company Shares of Off-trade Soft Drinks: % Value 2021-2025
• Table 22 LBN Brand Shares of Off-trade Soft Drinks: % Value 2022-2025
• Table 23 Penetration of Private Label in Off-trade Soft Drinks (RTD) by Category: % Volume 2020-2025
• Table 24 Penetration of Private Label in Off-trade Soft Drinks by Category: % Value 2020-2025
• Table 25 Distribution of Off-trade Soft Drinks (as sold) by Format: % Volume 2020-2025
• Table 26 Distribution of Off-trade Soft Drinks (as sold) by Format and Category: % Volume 2025
• Table 27 Forecast Off-trade vs On-trade Sales of Soft Drinks (RTD) by Channel: Volume 2025-2030
• Table 28 Forecast Off-trade vs On-trade Sales of Soft Drinks (RTD) by Channel: % Volume Growth 2025-2030
• Table 29 Forecast Off-trade vs On-trade Sales of Soft Drinks by Channel: Value 2025-2030
• Table 30 Forecast Off-trade vs On-trade Sales of Soft Drinks by Channel: % Value Growth 2025-2030
• Table 31 Forecast Off-trade Sales of Soft Drinks (RTD) by Category: Volume 2025-2030
• Table 32 Forecast Off-trade Sales of Soft Drinks (RTD) by Category: % Volume Growth 2025-2030
• Table 33 Forecast Off-trade Sales of Soft Drinks by Category: Value 2025-2030
• Table 34 Forecast Off-trade Sales of Soft Drinks by Category: % Value Growth 2025-2030
• Table 35 Forecast Sales of Soft Drinks by Total Fountain On-trade: Volume 2025-2030
• Table 36 Forecast Sales of Soft Drinks by Total Fountain On-trade: % Volume Growth 2025-2030

APPENDIX

• Fountain sales in Japan

COUNTRY REPORTS DISCLAIMER

SOURCES

• Summary 1 Research Sources

CARBONATES IN JAPAN

KEY DATA FINDINGS

2025 PERFORMANCE

• A tough year for carbonates as prices rise again

INDUSTRY PERFORMANCE

• Price increases place downward pressure on retail volume sales of carbonates
• Heatwaves have a negative impact on sales

WHAT'S NEXT?

• Volume sales set to decline but opportunities still exist to add value
• Players will need to adapt to the demographic shifts being seen within Japan
• Functional carbonates: a shift towards health and wellness

COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

• Leading players tap into nostalgia with retro-inspired products
• Players also look to the future with new innovations

CHANNELS

• Distribution shifting towards e-commerce as consumers embrace label-less products
• Vending remains a key retail channel despite its sales being under pressure

CATEGORY DATA

• Table 37 Off-trade vs On-trade Sales of Carbonates: Volume 2020-2025
• Table 38 Off-trade vs On-trade Sales of Carbonates: Value 2020-2025
• Table 39 Off-trade vs On-trade Sales of Carbonates: % Volume Growth 2020-2025
• Table 40 Off-trade vs On-trade Sales of Carbonates: % Value Growth 2020-2025
• Table 41 Off-trade Sales of Carbonates by Category: Volume 2020-2025
• Table 42 Off-trade Sales of Carbonates by Category: Value 2020-2025
• Table 43 Off-trade Sales of Carbonates by Category: % Volume Growth 2020-2025
• Table 44 Off-trade Sales of Carbonates by Category: % Value Growth 2020-2025
• Table 45 Total Sales of Carbonates by Fountain On-trade: Volume 2020-2025
• Table 46 Total Sales of Carbonates by Fountain On-trade: % Volume Growth 2020-2025
• Table 47 NBO Company Shares of Off-trade Carbonates: % Volume 2021-2025
• Table 48 LBN Brand Shares of Off-trade Carbonates: % Volume 2022-2025
• Table 49 NBO Company Shares of Off-trade Carbonates: % Value 2021-2025
• Table 50 LBN Brand Shares of Off-trade Carbonates: % Value 2022-2025
• Table 51 Forecast Off-trade Sales of Carbonates by Category: Volume 2025-2030
• Table 52 Forecast Off-trade Sales of Carbonates by Category: Value 2025-2030
• Table 53 Forecast Off-trade Sales of Carbonates by Category: % Volume Growth 2025-2030
• Table 54 Forecast Off-trade Sales of Carbonates by Category: % Value Growth 2025-2030
• Table 55 Forecast Total Sales of Carbonates by Fountain On-trade: Volume 2025-2030
• Table 56 Forecast Total Sales of Carbonates by Fountain On-trade: % Volume Growth 2025-2030

COUNTRY REPORTS DISCLAIMER

JUICE IN JAPAN

KEY DATA FINDINGS

2025 PERFORMANCE

• Players focus on adding value as sharp price increases hit volume sales

INDUSTRY PERFORMANCE

• Volume sales tumble as players look to navigate price hikes
• Companies strive to discover the next hit ingredient

WHAT'S NEXT?

• Players will need to adapt to evolving trends to sustain demand
• Shifting demographics reshaping Japan's juice market
• Adapting products for heatstroke prevention in a changing climate

COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

• Kagome benefits from the health-focused positioning of its tomato juice
• Del Monte taps into the strong demand for tomato juice

CHANNELS

• Kagome drives tomato juice sales with sampling events at supermarkets
• E-commerce picks up share while vending loses favour due to high prices

CATEGORY DATA

• Table 57 Off-trade Sales of Juice by Category: Volume 2020-2025
• Table 58 Off-trade Sales of Juice by Category: Value 2020-2025
• Table 59 Off-trade Sales of Juice by Category: % Volume Growth 2020-2025
• Table 60 Off-trade Sales of Juice by Category: % Value Growth 2020-2025
• Table 61 NBO Company Shares of Off-trade Juice: % Volume 2021-2025
• Table 62 LBN Brand Shares of Off-trade Juice: % Volume 2022-2025
• Table 63 NBO Company Shares of Off-trade Juice: % Value 2021-2025
• Table 64 LBN Brand Shares of Off-trade Juice: % Value 2022-2025
• Table 65 Forecast Off-trade Sales of Juice by Category: Volume 2025-2030
• Table 66 Forecast Off-trade Sales of Juice by Category: Value 2025-2030
• Table 67 Forecast Off-trade Sales of Juice by Category: % Volume Growth 2025-2030
• Table 68 Forecast Off-trade Sales of Juice by Category: % Value Growth 2025-2030

COUNTRY REPORTS DISCLAIMER

BOTTLED WATER IN JAPAN

KEY DATA FINDINGS

2025 PERFORMANCE

• Economic headwinds put pressure on sales of bottled water

INDUSTRY PERFORMANCE

• Bottled water sales decline amid economic pressures
• Carbonated and sparkling flavoured bottled water lose their fizz

WHAT'S NEXT?

• Challenges ahead for bottled water sales in Japan
• Companies exploring eco-friendly water solutions
• Suntory leads in the development of sustainable packaging for bottled water

COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

• Suntory Leads in Bottled Water Amidst Shifting Consumer Preferences
• Asahi finding success with hot water product

CHANNELS

• Supermarkets continue to lead bottled water sales in 2025
• Label-less bottles provide added appeal for e-commerce

CATEGORY DATA

• Table 69 Off-trade Sales of Bottled Water by Category: Volume 2020-2025
• Table 70 Off-trade Sales of Bottled Water by Category: Value 2020-2025
• Table 71 Off-trade Sales of Bottled Water by Category: % Volume Growth 2020-2025
• Table 72 Off-trade Sales of Bottled Water by Category: % Value Growth 2020-2025
• Table 73 NBO Company Shares of Off-trade Bottled Water: % Volume 2021-2025
• Table 74 LBN Brand Shares of Off-trade Bottled Water: % Volume 2022-2025
• Table 75 NBO Company Shares of Off-trade Bottled Water: % Value 2021-2025
• Table 76 LBN Brand Shares of Off-trade Bottled Water: % Value 2022-2025
• Table 77 Forecast Off-trade Sales of Bottled Water by Category: Volume 2025-2030
• Table 78 Forecast Off-trade Sales of Bottled Water by Category: Value 2025-2030
• Table 79 Forecast Off-trade Sales of Bottled Water by Category: % Volume Growth 2025-2030
• Table 80 Forecast Off-trade Sales of Bottled Water by Category: % Value Growth 2025-2030

COUNTRY REPORTS DISCLAIMER

SPORTS DRINKS IN JAPAN

KEY DATA FINDINGS

2025 PERFORMANCE

• Sports drinks sales hard hit by price increases

INDUSTRY PERFORMANCE

• Sales decline amidst price hikes
• Demand drops as soaring temperatures limit outdoor activities

WHAT'S NEXT?

• Climate change could pose an ongoing threat to sales of sports drinks
• Heightened role of sports drinks in heatstroke prevention
• Increasing competition could challenge sports drinks

COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

• Coca-Cola provides first update to the taste of Aquarius in 20 years
• Pocari Sweat benefits from heatstroke awareness campaigns

CHANNELS

• Vending remains the leading distribution channel despite challenges
• E-commerce and convenience stores pick up share

CATEGORY DATA

• Table 81 Off-trade Sales of Sports Drinks: Volume 2020-2025
• Table 82 Off-trade Sales of Sports Drinks: Value 2020-2025
• Table 83 Off-trade Sales of Sports Drinks: % Volume Growth 2020-2025
• Table 84 Off-trade Sales of Sports Drinks: % Value Growth 2020-2025
• Table 85 NBO Company Shares of Off-trade Sports Drinks: % Volume 2021-2025
• Table 86 LBN Brand Shares of Off-trade Sports Drinks: % Volume 2022-2025
• Table 87 NBO Company Shares of Off-trade Sports Drinks: % Value 2021-2025
• Table 88 LBN Brand Shares of Off-trade Sports Drinks: % Value 2022-2025
• Table 89 Forecast Off-trade Sales of Sports Drinks: Volume 2025-2030
• Table 90 Forecast Off-trade Sales of Sports Drinks: Value 2025-2030
• Table 91 Forecast Off-trade Sales of Sports Drinks: % Volume Growth 2025-2030
• Table 92 Forecast Off-trade Sales of Sports Drinks: % Value Growth 2025-2030

COUNTRY REPORTS DISCLAIMER

ENERGY DRINKS IN JAPAN

KEY DATA FINDINGS

2025 PERFORMANCE

• Rising prices and health concerns lead to a drop in volume sales in 2025

INDUSTRY PERFORMANCE

• Price increases put a dent in sales of energy drinks
• Demand falls as some consumers look to reduce their caffeine intake

WHAT'S NEXT?

• Challenges ahead for a maturing energy drinks market
• Natural energy drinks make their mark in Japan
• Energy drinks will need to evolve as Japan embraces healthier lifestyles

COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

• Asahi cements its leadership through new product launches in 2025
• Red Bull continues to benefit from new product development and marketing

CHANNELS

• Convenience stores retain a key role in the sale and promotion of energy drinks
• Asahi and Red Bul turn to Lawson to promote new product launches

CATEGORY DATA

• Table 93 Off-trade Sales of Energy Drinks: Volume 2020-2025
• Table 94 Off-trade Sales of Energy Drinks: Value 2020-2025
• Table 95 Off-trade Sales of Energy Drinks: % Volume Growth 2020-2025
• Table 96 Off-trade Sales of Energy Drinks: % Value Growth 2020-2025
• Table 97 NBO Company Shares of Off-trade Energy Drinks: % Volume 2021-2025
• Table 98 LBN Brand Shares of Off-trade Energy Drinks: % Volume 2022-2025
• Table 99 NBO Company Shares of Off-trade Energy Drinks: % Value 2021-2025
• Table 100 LBN Brand Shares of Off-trade Energy Drinks: % Value 2022-2025
• Table 101 Forecast Off-trade Sales of Energy Drinks: Volume 2025-2030
• Table 102 Forecast Off-trade Sales of Energy Drinks: Value 2025-2030
• Table 103 Forecast Off-trade Sales of Energy Drinks: % Volume Growth 2025-2030
• Table 104 Forecast Off-trade Sales of Energy Drinks: % Value Growth 2025-2030

COUNTRY REPORTS DISCLAIMER

CONCENTRATES IN JAPAN

KEY DATA FINDINGS

2025 PERFORMANCE

• Concentrates offers an economical, sustainable and versatile soft drinks option

INDUSTRY PERFORMANCE

• Liquid concentrates benefit from the value and convenience they offer
• Competition from RTD sports drinks a hinderance to the growth of powder concentrates

WHAT'S NEXT?

• New consumption occasions should help to fuel growth in liquid concentrates
• Asahi under pressure to adjust to demographic changes
• Concentrates: a sustainable choice for modern households

COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

• Asahi Soft Drinks retains a strong lead in concentrates with its Calpis brand
• Ouchi Drink Bar proving to be a big success for Suntory

CHANNELS

• Asahi looks to feed off the dominant position of supermarkets during "Calpis Day"
• CJ Japan Cop targets the on-trade channel
• Concentrates Conversions
• Summary 2 Concentrates Conversion Factors for Ready-to-Drink (RTD) Format

CATEGORY DATA

• Table 105 Off-trade Sales of Concentrates (RTD) by Category: Volume 2020-2025
• Table 106 Off-trade Sales of Concentrates (RTD) by Category: % Volume Growth 2020-2025
• Table 107 Off-trade Sales of Concentrates by Category: Value 2020-2025
• Table 108 Off-trade Sales of Concentrates by Category: % Value Growth 2020-2025
• Table 109 LBN Brand Shares of Off-trade Concentrates (RTD): % Volume 2022-2025
• Table 110 NBO Company Shares of Off-trade Concentrates: % Value 2021-2025
• Table 111 LBN Brand Shares of Off-trade Concentrates: % Value 2022-2025
• Table 112 NBO Company Shares of Off-trade Liquid Concentrates (RTD): % Volume 2021-2025
• Table 113 LBN Brand Shares of Off-trade Liquid Concentrates (RTD): % Volume 2022-2025
• Table 114 NBO Company Shares of Off-trade Powder Concentrates (RTD): % Volume 2021-2025
• Table 115 LBN Brand Shares of Off-trade Powder Concentrates (RTD): % Volume 2022-2025
• Table 116 Forecast Off-trade Sales of Concentrates (RTD) by Category: Volume 2025-2030
• Table 117 Forecast Off-trade Sales of Concentrates (RTD) by Category: % Volume Growth 2025-2030
• Table 118 Forecast Off-trade Sales of Concentrates by Category: Value 2025-2030
• Table 119 Forecast Off-trade Sales of Concentrates by Category: % Value Growth 2025-2030

COUNTRY REPORTS DISCLAIMER

RTD TEA IN JAPAN

KEY DATA FINDINGS

2025 PERFORMANCE

• Price rises push consumers away from RTD tea

INDUSTRY PERFORMANCE

• RTD tea sales dip as consumers switch to homemade brews
• Consumers continue to favour reduced sugar still RTD tea

WHAT'S NEXT?

• RTD tea faces headwinds as costs rise and consumers brew at home
• RTD tea market heats up with cafe-inspired fruit blends
• Evolving health benefits in Japan's RTD green tea market

COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

• ITO EN and Asahi lead innovations aimed at revitalising the RTD tea market
• Asahi finds success with revamped product line

CHANNELS

• Supermarkets lead distribution despite losing share due to rising prices
• Label-less products helping to push sales online

CATEGORY DATA

• Table 120 Off-trade Sales of RTD Tea by Category: Volume 2020-2025
• Table 121 Off-trade Sales of RTD Tea by Category: Value 2020-2025
• Table 122 Off-trade Sales of RTD Tea by Category: % Volume Growth 2020-2025
• Table 123 Off-trade Sales of RTD Tea by Category: % Value Growth 2020-2025
• Table 124 Leading Flavours for Off-trade RTD Tea: % Volume 2020-2025
• Table 125 NBO Company Shares of Off-trade RTD Tea: % Volume 2021-2025
• Table 126 LBN Brand Shares of Off-trade RTD Tea: % Volume 2022-2025
• Table 127 NBO Company Shares of Off-trade RTD Tea: % Value 2021-2025
• Table 128 LBN Brand Shares of Off-trade RTD Tea: % Value 2022-2025
• Table 129 Forecast Off-trade Sales of RTD Tea by Category: Volume 2025-2030
• Table 130 Forecast Off-trade Sales of RTD Tea by Category: Value 2025-2030
• Table 131 Forecast Off-trade Sales of RTD Tea by Category: % Volume Growth 2025-2030
• Table 132 Forecast Off-trade Sales of RTD Tea by Category: % Value Growth 2025-2030

COUNTRY REPORTS DISCLAIMER

RTD COFFEE IN JAPAN

KEY DATA FINDINGS

2025 PERFORMANCE

• RTD coffee under pressure to revamp its image

INDUSTRY PERFORMANCE

• Demand for RTD coffee negatively impacted by price hikes and heatwaves
• New products featuring plant-based milk are rapidly emerging in Japan

WHAT'S NEXT?

• Continuous shift from cans to bottles expected
• Coca-Cola and Suntory's battle in RTD coffee ramps up in vending
• Health-conscious innovations and mushroom coffee offer growth potential

COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

• Coca-Cola leads RTD coffee thanks to strategic branding
• Tully's feeds off the success of its cafe chain

CHANNELS

• Supermarkets Lead in RTD Coffee Distribution Amid Decline in Vending Machines
• Vending slow to adapt to shift towards cashless payments

CATEGORY DATA

• Table 133 Off-trade Sales of RTD Coffee: Volume 2020-2025
• Table 134 Off-trade Sales of RTD Coffee: Value 2020-2025
• Table 135 Off-trade Sales of RTD Coffee: % Volume Growth 2020-2025
• Table 136 Off-trade Sales of RTD Coffee: % Value Growth 2020-2025
• Table 137 NBO Company Shares of Off-trade RTD Coffee: % Volume 2021-2025
• Table 138 LBN Brand Shares of Off-trade RTD Coffee: % Volume 2022-2025
• Table 139 NBO Company Shares of Off-trade RTD Coffee: % Value 2021-2025
• Table 140 LBN Brand Shares of Off-trade RTD Coffee: % Value 2022-2025
• Table 141 Forecast Off-trade Sales of RTD Coffee: Volume 2025-2030
• Table 142 Forecast Off-trade Sales of RTD Coffee: Value 2025-2030
• Table 143 Forecast Off-trade Sales of RTD Coffee: % Volume Growth 2025-2030
• Table 144 Forecast Off-trade Sales of RTD Coffee: % Value Growth 2025-2030

COUNTRY REPORTS DISCLAIMER

ASIAN SPECIALITY DRINKS IN JAPAN

KEY DATA FINDINGS

2025 PERFORMANCE

• A declining birth rate and rising prices impacting sales of Asian speciality drinks

INDUSTRY PERFORMANCE

• Price hikes put a dent in sales of Asian speciality drinks in 2025
• Vinegar drinks remain important to sales of Asian speciality drinks

WHAT'S NEXT?

• Challenges ahead amid rising competition
• Asahi under pressure to adapt to an ageing consumer base
• Health-focused products could gain traction in Japan's mature market

COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

• Asahi maintains its dominance through effective use of promotional strategies
• Other players focus on health claims to push sales

CHANNELS

• Supermarkets underpin sales of Asian specialty drinks through in-store promotions
• E-commerce picks up further share as the online offer expands

CATEGORY DATA

• Table 145 Off-trade Sales of Asian Speciality Drinks: Volume 2020-2025
• Table 146 Off-trade Sales of Asian Speciality Drinks: Value 2020-2025
• Table 147 Off-trade Sales of Asian Speciality Drinks: % Volume Growth 2020-2025
• Table 148 Off-trade Sales of Asian Speciality Drinks: % Value Growth 2020-2025
• Table 149 NBO Company Shares of Off-trade Asian Speciality Drinks: % Volume 2021-2025
• Table 150 LBN Brand Shares of Off-trade Asian Speciality Drinks: % Volume 2022-2025
• Table 151 NBO Company Shares of Off-trade Asian Speciality Drinks: % Value 2021-2025
• Table 152 LBN Brand Shares of Off-trade Asian Speciality Drinks: % Value 2022-2025
• Table 153 Forecast Off-trade Sales of Asian Speciality Drinks: Volume 2025-2030
• Table 154 Forecast Off-trade Sales of Asian Speciality Drinks: Value 2025-2030
• Table 155 Forecast Off-trade Sales of Asian Speciality Drinks: % Volume Growth 2025-2030
• Table 156 Forecast Off-trade Sales of Asian Speciality Drinks: % Value Growth 2025-2030

COUNTRY REPORTS DISCLAIMER